Let’s Talk About Heart Health
In the U.S., heart disease is still the number one cause of death. Every year, there are about 605,000 new heart attacks, and 200,000 are repeat attacks. That’s a lot of people, and it shows just how important it is for all of us to take care of our hearts. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is responsible for about 1,905 deaths every day. The good news is that heart disease can often be prevented, and it doesn’t take huge changes to get started.
What’s Really Going on With Heart Disease?
It’s easy to think heart disease only shows up in the form of a heart attack or stroke, but it’s actually much more than that. The truth is, heart disease develops over time, and the risk of having heart problems increases as we get older. For men, the average age for a first heart attack is 65, and for women, it’s 72. But it’s not just about age—factors like high blood pressure, being overweight, or having diabetes also play a big part in the risk.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Heart disease can affect anyone, but some groups of people are more likely to face heart health challenges. If you have high blood pressure or are carrying extra weight, you might be at a higher risk. And certain minority communities face greater risks as well. This means it’s even more important for people in these communities to get the care and support they need to stay healthy.
Simple Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Heart
Here’s where you get to take control.
- Get Moving: Even a brisk walk each day or dancing in your living room counts! Just 30 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure and strengthen your heart.
- Eat More Whole Foods: Try to eat more fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Less processed food and fewer sugary snacks can really help lower your cholesterol and keep your heart in better shape.
- Relax: Stress isn’t just a mental thing—it can impact your heart too. Finding ways to chill out can really help. Whether it’s breathing exercises, spending time with loved ones, or even taking a break with your favorite hobby, managing stress is crucial for heart health.
- Check Your Numbers: A quick visit to your health center can help you track things like your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit. And if you drink, try to do so in moderation. Both smoking and excessive drinking can seriously damage your heart over time.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
The truth is even small changes can have a huge impact on your heart health. Whether you’re in your 30s or your 70s, taking care of your heart should be something you think about every day. If you’re not sure where to begin or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Care Resource. We’re here to help, guide you, and support you every step of the way. Heart health isn’t just about avoiding heart attacks—it’s about making choices every day that keep your heart strong for years to come.
Every Tuesday during Heart Health Month, new clients and walk-ins are eligible for a NO-COST cholesterol screening, and free blood pressure testing. One can learn more about our health center’s affordable and accessible services during a complimentary screening. Become a patient and schedule an appointment today. Visit our Pre Registration Form.
